You are here

Questions to Ask the Doctor

Asking questions about your cancer care helps you become better informed and may help you cope with your diagnosis.

Think about how much information you would like to know about your type of cancer, and let your doctor know your preferences.

Use the following list of questions to generate ideas; only use the questions that you believe would help you, and feel free to overlook those that wouldn’t.

Consider writing down your questions before the appointment.

Learning more about your diagnosis and treatment plan gives you the ability to take an active role in your cancer care planning. Studies show that people with cancer who are well informed about their disease and treatment options usually have better outcomes and fewer side effects than those who simply follow doctors' orders. However, some people feel overwhelmed by too much information and do not want to know many details about their condition. Think about how much information you would like to learn, and share your preferences with your caregivers.

Tips to help you get your questions answered

Your doctor should make time to explain the treatment options and answer your questions. Here are some tips to help you communicate better with your doctor and other members of your health care team:

Consider writing your questions down before your appointment, which can lower your stress level and help you make the most of your visit. You may want to print this list, starting with the questions below, and bring it to your next appointment. Or, download Cancer.Net’s free mobile app for an e-list and other interactive tools to manage your care.

Bring a notebook or a tape recorder to the appointment. During the appointment, write down your doctor's answers, ask a family member or friend to write them down for you, or make an audio recording. That will allow you to read or listen to the information later, taking the time you need to process it.

Tell your doctor if you are having trouble understanding an explanation or unfamiliar medical words. Sometimes, the doctor may be able to draw a picture or give an example that would help you understand.

Let your doctor know if you are interested in seeking a second opinion. Most doctors understand the value of a second opinion, and your current doctor may even be able to recommend another doctor.

Ask your doctor or nurse where you can find additional information or printed materials about your condition. Many offices have this information readily available.

Cancer.Net provides timely, comprehensive, oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), with support from the Conquer Cancer Foundation. Cancer.Net brings the expertise and resources of ASCO to people living with cancer and those who care for and about them to help patients and families make informed health care decisions.